Apparatus and method for magnetically mounting an object to a sheet of material

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for mounting an object, including functional objects as well as ornamental objects, to an intermediate sheet of material such as fabric or glass includes pieces that are magnetically coupled through the intermediate material so that the magnetically coupled pieces are securely and replaceably held thereto. An object retainer is secured in any desired manner to at least one of the magnetically coupled pieces. One or both of the magnetically coupled pieces may be placed into forms for added mechanical strength, ease of handling, distribution of force, or protection to the intermediate material. A coating layer may be placed on the retainer, on some or all of the magnetically coupled pieces, or on the forms if used, either over the entirety thereof or over selected surface areas.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent document claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/534,918 filed Jan. 7, 2004 (Verbaas et al., Magneticholder apparatus), which hereby is incorporated herein in its entiretyby reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to the mounting of an object on a sheetof material, and more particularly to apparatus and methods formagnetically mounting objects to sheets of material.

2. Description of the Related Art

Ornamental items such as corsages typically are displayed fromnonmetallic flexible material such as fabric, paper, and the like. Avariety of techniques are known for mounting ornamental items to thematerial. Some of them rely solely on mechanical means, while others usea combination of magnetic and mechanical means.

Numerous exclusively mechanical approaches are used for hangingornamental items on clothing worn to cover the body. U.S. Pat. No.6,389,649 issued May 21, 2002 4(Metzler, Garment accessory mountingdevice and method) discloses a sharpened “S” shaped member used to speara flower or other floral arrangement on one end, and a garment hook onthe opposite end to allow the mounting of the arrangement on clothing.This approach requires either hooking onto the edge of a garment orpenetrating through the garment, which results in mounting in anundesirable location or damage to the garment, respectively.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,675 issued Dec. 24, 1985 (Devenny, Corsage support)discloses a pair of elements having cooperative shapes wherein thecooperative shapes clamp together through an article of clothing. A heldobject, such as a corsage, is secured to one of the elements therebyholding the object to the clothing. However, the disclosed crimpingmechanism requires deformation of the material resulting in unsightlylines to be apparent in the way the material hangs. Further, thiscrimping mechanism damages delicate clothing.

Generally speaking, known nonmagnetic corsage holders have disadvantagesin the manner that they hold a corsage onto a piece of fabric. Somecorsage holders deform or damage clothing during the process of mountingthe corsage. Some corsage holders insecurely hold the corsage, or aredifficult to position and often result in off-vertical axis orientationof the held object, or are difficult to replaceably mount.

Many known devices use magnets for hanging items to metallic surfaces.Examples of such magnetic holders may be found in, for example, U.S.Pat. No. 6,155,523 issued Dec. 5, 2000 (Pitre, Magnetic base holder),U.S. Pat. No. 5,274,937 issued Jan. 4,1994 (Birnbaum, Magnetic holder),U.S. Pat. No. 5,221,006 issued Jun. 22, 1993 (Plumlee, Magnetic articleholder), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,830,321 issued May 16, 1989 (Kenji,Magnetic holder). However, the disclosures of these patents concernusing magnets to mount something to a metallic surface. Fabric typicallyis non-metallic and flexible.

Other devices are suitable for use with non-metallic material. U.S. Pat.No. 5,031,777 issued Jul. 16, 1991 (Knox, Magnetic holder for bows andsimilar accessories) discloses a ferromagnetic holder used fordisplaying hair bows and other accessories. Magnets are attached to theback side of a thin taut fabric strip. Magnetic forces are exertedthrough the strip to hold bows or other accessories that haveferromagnetic parts by magnetic attraction to the outwardly facing sideof the strip, so that the attached items may be displayed in a displaycase or on a display rack. The held item contains a ferromagnetic parton which the magnetic forces may act.

Magnetic devices are known for attaching name tags to clothing. U.S.Pat. No. 6,006,455 issued Dec. 28, 1999 (Miller, Magnetic name-tag)discloses the use of a magnet to attach a name tag label envelope toclothing through magnetic forces exerted by the magnet from an innersurface of the clothing to a metal containing name tag envelope placedon the outside of the clothing. The name tag envelope has a transparentouter surface. A name tag is placed into the envelope. Inasmuch as aname tag holder is light and is not bulky, it may be held in place by avery simple arrangement of magnetically coupled pieces.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial representation of a corsage and boutonniere “clip”10, which is available from Pinless of Sierra Vista, Ariz., as productnumber 501. The clip 10 is characterized as being a reusable supermagnet that makes attaching a corsage quick and does not damage theclothing. The clip 10 uses a single rigid magnet 18 which is placed onthe inside of a shirt or jacket (not shown). A holder 11 having a metalbase 16 with two extending metal tabs 12 and 14 is attracted to themagnet 18 through the shirt or jacket. The holder 11 is a single pieceof metal, with the metal tabs 12 and 14 being digitally malleable sothat the tabs 12 and 14 may be mechanically deformed by a person's handand bent inward or crimped about a corsage stem to lock the corsage inplace. The metal tabs 12 and 14 are at the extreme edge of one end ofthe metal base 16. U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,648 issued Nov. 4, 1997 (Miller,Flower attachment mechanism for clothing) discloses the use of a cradleto secure flowers or other ornamentation onto clothing. The cradle orholder partially encircles the flower stems and has prongs which areinserted into the stems. The cradle preferably is metallic and is placedon an exterior portion of the clothing while a magnet is placed on anopposing location on an interior portion of the clothing. Bothapproaches are disadvantageous in that the holder is visually intrusive.It extends beyond and around part of the ornamental object, and maydetract from the appearance thereof.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,260,749 issued Jul. 17, 2001 (Horovitz, Small articleholder including magnet means) discloses holders for various functionalobjects such as eyeglasses and keys. The holder is provided by theoperational combination of a base member of a selected appearance,wherein the base includes a magnetizable area thereon. The holder is incooperative combination with a permanent magnet. Holding means aresecured to the base member for holding a desired small article theretoor therein. As the holder is visually intrusive, the base member of theholding means appears to be designed to approximately match the size andappearance of the article it is intended to hold.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has a number of advantages over the related art.In some embodiments, one or more of the magnetically coupled pieces areresilient or flexible to maintain strong magnetic coupling even when theintervening material such as a fabric is stressed or distorted. In otherembodiments, one or more of the magnetically coupled pieces includesmultiple magnets, or are given a shape and size, or are placed within aform for various purposes such as, for example, to provide enhancedmechanical strength, ease of handling, distribution of force, protectionof the intermediate material, or enhanced mechanical support for keepingbulky objects such as, for example, a corsage, from twisting away from aparticular alignment. In other embodiments, a retainer is disposed atone of the magnetically coupled pieces, and both the retainer and themagnetically coupled piece are visually inobtrusive with respect to theobject to be mounted. Suitable techniques include, for example, havingone of or both the retainer and the magnetically coupled piececamouflaged with respect to the object to be mounted or with respect tothe material to which the object is to be mounted, or of a relativelysmall with respect to the object to be mounted, or capable of beingaligned with the object to be mounted. In other embodiments, one or moreof the magnetically coupled pieces, or the retainer, or all pieces andthe retainer include a coating or coated portions to protect delicatematerials, which may be the intervening material or material in theobject being held. In some of its embodiments, the present inventionincludes superior retainers for the object being held, such as, forexample, supports for preventing a boutonniere from sagging or twisting.

Various embodiments of the present invention are suitable for mountingan object to various types of sheets of material (including multiplelayers), such as, for example, fabric, paper, glass, cardboard,wallboard, partitions, layered masses, composite masses, laminates, andso forth. More particularly, two or more pieces are magnetically coupledthrough the intermediate sheet of material in a manner that securely yetreplaceably mounts the object to the material. At least one of themagnetic pair of pieces includes a retainer for the object. An optionalcoating layer is placed onto one or more of the magnetically coupledpieces, either over the entire surfaces thereof or over selectedsurfaces (major surfaces, edges, and so forth) thereof for any desiredpurposes, such as to prevent damage to delicate clothing, to provide anattractive appearance or a camouflaged appearance, to facilitatehandling by the user, to improve contact with the intermediate material,or any combination of the foregoing and other purposes. Some embodimentsare suitable for mounting functional objects, while other embodimentsare suitable for mounting ornamental objects.

One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for mounting anobject, comprising a first magnetically coupled section; a retainer forremovably retaining the object, the object retainer being disposed atthe first section; and a second magnetically coupled section. At leastone of the first and second sections is permanently magnetized formagnetically coupling to another of the first and second sections, andthe first section and the object retainer are visually inobtrusiverelative to the object.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for mountingan object, comprising a first magnetically coupled section; a retainerfor the object, the object retainer being disposed at the first section;and a second magnetically coupled section. At least one of the first andsecond sections is permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling toanother one of the first and second sections, and at least one of thefirst and second sections comprises a unitary permanent magnet having a“Y” shape, an “X” shape, a horseshoe shape, or a loop shape.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for mountingan object, comprising a first magnetically coupled section; a retainerfor the object, the object retainer being disposed at the first section;a second magnetically coupled section; a third magnetically coupledsection; and a form. The second and third sections are disposed in theform. At least one of the first, second and third sections ispermanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to others of the first,second and third sections.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for mountingan object, comprising a first magnetically coupled section; a retainerfor the object, the object retainer being disposed at the first section;a second magnetically coupled section; and a coating covering at leastpart of the first section, the second section, the retainer, or anycombination thereof. At least one of the first and second sections ispermanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another of the firstand second sections.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for mountingan object, comprising a first magnetically coupled section; a retainerfor the object, the object retainer being disposed at the first section;a light disposed at the first section; and a second magnetically coupledsection. At least one of the first and second sections is permanentlymagnetized for magnetically coupling to another of the first and secondsections.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for mountingan object, comprising a first magnetically coupled section; a retainerfor the object, the object retainer being disposed at the first section;and a second magnetically coupled section. At. at least one of the firstand second sections is permanently magnetized for magnetically couplingto another one of the first and second sections, and at least one of thefirst and second sections comprises a magnetically coupled flexible orresilient material.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for mountingan object, comprising a first magnetically coupled section, a secondmagnetically coupled section, and a container for the object disposed atthe first section. At. least one of the first and second sections ispermanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another one of thefirst and second sections.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for mountinga first object and a second object, comprising a first magneticallycoupled section; a first retainer for the first object, the first objectretainer being disposed at the first section; a second magneticallycoupled section; and a second retainer for the second object, the secondobject retainer being disposed at the second section. At least one ofthe first and second sections is permanently magnetized for magneticallycoupling to another of the first and second sections.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for mountingan object, comprising a magnetized body having a first magneticallycoupled section comprising a first surface and a second magneticallycoupled section comprising a second surface, the first and secondsurfaces being opposing; and a retainer for the object, the objectretainer being disposed at the first section. At least one of the firstand second sections is permanently magnetized for magnetically couplingto another one of the first and second sections.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for mountingan object, comprising first magnetically coupled means; secondmagnetically coupled means, wherein at least one of the first and secondmagnetically coupled means is permanently magnetized; and means forretaining the object to the first magnetically coupled means, disposedat the first section.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of mounting anobject on a sheet of material comprising placing a first magneticallycoupled section on one side of the sheet of material, the first sectionhaving an object retainer; placing a second magnetically coupled sectionon another side of the sheet of material, opposing the firstmagnetically coupled section; bringing the first and second sectionsinto proximity following the placing steps to enable magnetic coupling,wherein at least one of the first and second sections is permanentlymagnetized for magnetically coupling to another one of the first andsecond sections; and attaching the object to the retainer, wherein theobject visually obscures the retainer and the first section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram of a prior art magnetic corsage holder.

FIG. 2 through FIG. 8 are schematic diagrams of various apparatus formounting an object to a sheet of material, in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 through FIG. 16 are side plan views of various apparatus formounting an object to a sheet of material, in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION, INCLUDING THE BEST MODE

An apparatus for mounting an object to a sheet of material has twocomponents, namely a mechanical component and a magnetic component. Themechanical component is designed for mechanically fastening to items,and preferably is optimized for mechanically fastening to one or severalspecific types of items. An example would be a pin, hook, prong or clampspecifically optimized for engaging an ornamental item such as acorsage, boutonniere, piece of art, decoration, or other ornamentalpiece. The magnetic component is of a material or materials suitableboth for establishing a magnetic field and for forming a magnetic fieldpath, and with which the mechanical component may be integrated in anyconvenient manner. The magnetic component includes a first section withwhich the mechanical component is integrated, and a second section thatin use is spaced away from the first section by the thickness of anintermediate material through which the magnetic field path passes. Themechanical component and the first section of the magnetic componentsmay be distinct pieces, or may be formed from the same material body.The first and sections of the magnetic component may be separate anddistinct pieces, or part of the same piece.

Various examples of mounting apparatus are schematically shown in FIG. 2through FIG. 9. FIG. 2 shows an example of a object mounting device 20in which the magnetic component includes a magnet 22 and a magnetizableplate 26, the magnet 22 being magnetically coupled in use to the plate26 through fabric 24. The magnet 22 has a magnetic dipole that isparallel to the fabric 24. A suitable mechanical component 28 ismechanically coupled to the plate 26. FIG. 3 shows an example of aobject mounting device 30 in which the magnetic component includes amagnet 32 and a magnetizable plate 36, the magnet 32 being magneticallycoupled in use to the plate 36 through fabric 34. The magnetic dipole ofthe magnet 32 is perpendicular to the fabric 34. A suitable mechanicalcomponent 38 is mechanically coupled to the plate 36. FIG. 4 shows anexample of a object mounting device 40 in which the magnetic componentincludes a magnetizable plate 42 and a magnet 46, the magnet 46 beingmagnetically coupled in use to the plate 42 through fabric 44. Themagnetic dipole of the magnet 46 is parallel to the fabric 44. Asuitable mechanical component 48 is mechanically coupled to the magnet46. FIG. 5 shows an example of a object mounting device 50 in which themagnetic component includes a magnetizable plate 52 and a magnet 56, themagnet 56 being magnetically coupled in use to the plate 52 throughfabric 54. The magnetic dipole of the magnet 56 is perpendicular to thefabric 54. A suitable mechanical component 58 is mechanically coupled tothe magnet 56. FIG. 6 shows an example of a object mounting device 60 inwhich the magnetic component includes a magnet 62 and a magnet 66, whichare mutually coupled in use through fabric 64. The magnetic dipoles ofthe magnets 62 and 66 are parallel to the fabric 64. A suitablemechanical component 68 is mechanically coupled to the magnet 66. FIG. 7shows an example of a object mounting device 70 in which the magneticcomponent includes a magnet 72 and a magnet 76, which are mutuallycoupled in use through fabric 74. The magnetic dipoles of the magnets 72and 76 are perpendicular to the fabric 74. A suitable mechanicalcomponent 78 is mechanically coupled to the magnet 76. FIG. 8 shows anexample of a object mounting device 80 in which the magnetic componentincludes a single magnet 81 having poles 82 and 86. The magnet 81preferably is bendable but resilient, so that the poles 82 and 86 can beseparated and passed over an edge of the fabric 84, yet return intoproximity through the fabric 84. When the object mounting device 80 isin use, the poles 82 and 86 are coupled through fabric 84. A suitablemechanical component 88 is mechanically coupled to the magnet 81.

In arrangements such as shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 in which themechanical component is within the magnetic field path, preferably themechanical component is made small with respect to the magneticcomponent or is made of nonmagnetizable material so as not to weaken themagnetic field.

In the foregoing examples, the magnets and corresponding magnetizableplates may be rigid or flexible. While the examples show magneticcoupling through fabric, the coupling may be done through otherintermediate materials, including other flexible materials or eventhrough rigid materials such as glass. The intermediate materialpreferably is non-magnetizable to minimize weakening of the magneticfield. The mechanical component and the magnetic component areintegrated in any desired manner. Illustratively, where the mechanicalcomponent is a metallic part such as a hook, pin, prong or clamp, andthe magnetic component is metal, the mechanical component may besoldered or welded to the magnetic component. Other techniques forfixing the mechanical component to the magnetic component includeadhesives and screws. The mechanical component may also be connected tothe magnetic component through a joint, which may be a rotation joint, amalleable material, or any other type of movable or distortable joint toprovide an alternative way to reposition the object other than toreposition the magnetic component.

The various components of the mounting apparatus preferably areoptimized to exhibit particular performance characteristics. Themechanical component may be designed in any desired manner to achievesuperior mounting performance, including the use of supports forpreventing a object such as a boutonniere from sagging or twisting. Ofparticular advantage when the object is an ornamental object, themechanical component may be camouflaged with respect to the object orthe intermediate material, or the mechanical component may be made smallrelative to the object being fastened, or may be capable of beingaligned with some structural element of the object being fastened, so asto be non-intrusive. Surfaces of the mechanical and magnetic componentsthat could contact fabric when in use may be coated to protect delicateclothing. One or both of the sections of the magnetic component may beplaced into a form for added mechanical strength, ease of handling,distribution of force, or protection of the fabric. One or more of thesections of the magnetic component may be made flexible so that theopposing surfaces remain in proximity even when the fabric is stressedor distorted, to maintain strong magnetic coupling. The magneticcomponent may include multiple magnets to provide additional support tokeep elongated objects such as corsages from twisting away from properalignment. Generally speaking, the ability to independently optimize themechanical and magnetic components allows the entire object mountingdevice to be optimized for the secure, replaceable and repeatableattachment of a variety of different types of objects.

FIG. 9 shows a magnetic pair of pieces 92 and 96 which is used to fastenan object, such as a corsage (not shown), to a material 94, such as apiece of fabric. The magnetic pair of pieces 92 and 96 are attractedtoward each other via a magnetic field. At least one of the magneticallypaired pieces has attached to it object retainer 98 for securely andreplaceably retaining the object. The attachment of the object retainer98 to one of the pair of magnetic pieces 92 and 96, in combination withthe magnetic field holding the two magnetic pieces to each other throughthe material 94, combines to provide a firm attachment of the objectretainer 98 to the material 94 in a replaceable and secure mannerwithout damage to the material 94. The object retainer 98 holds adecorative object, such as a corsage, to opposite sides of the material94, such as clothing. Optional protective and/or decorative coatings areapplied to one or both of the magnetic pair of pieces 92 and 96.

At least one of the two magnetic pair of pieces 92 and 96 includes amagnet. The magnet is preferably a permanent magnet. The selected magnetis based upon the required holding power, steric parameters, size,shape, and/or cost. The magnet may be of any type. Some example magnettypes include rare earth, neodymium, samarium cobalt, alnico, ceramic,and ferrite. The second magnetically paired piece is attracted towardthe first magnetically paired piece via a magnetic field. Therequirements for the second piece is that is allows for an attractivemagnetic force to exist between the second paired piece and the firstmagnet. A number of material types fulfill this requirement, including apiece of metal or other magnetizable material, a nonmagnetizablematerial impregnated with magnetizable material, and a second magnet.Hence, the two magnetically coupled pieces 92 and 96 may include any ofa pair of magnets, a magnet and a magnetizable object, and a magnet anda piece of metal.

Each of the first and second magnetically coupled pieces 92 and 96preferably has at least one relatively flat surface. The flat surface ofthe first magnetically coupled piece is attracted to the flat surface ofthe second magnetically coupled piece by the magnetic field. Themagnetically coupled pieces preferably are rigid, resilient, orflexible. The flexible pieces and to some extent the resilient piecesallow for conformity to a non-flat surface.

The flat section of the magnetically coupled piece 96 is referred to asa base. The object retainer 98 preferably is attached to this base.Optionally, the object retainer 98 is integrated into one of themagnetically couple pieces 92 and 96. Alternatively, the object retainer98 is an additional piece coupled to the base. The connection betweenthe object retainer 98 and one of the magnetically coupled pieces 92 and96 is either a permanent or a removably attached connection to the base.The magnetically coupled piece that contains a base is on the side ofmaterial 94 where the object is to be displayed. For example, if theobject is a corsage, the object retainer 98 may be a hanging mechanismprojecting from the piece away from the body and on the outside of thematerial 94.

A number of different types of object retainers 98 are known for holdingan object. Malleable tabs such as shown in FIG. 1 may be crimped aboutthe object to be retained. For example, a corsage stem may be placednext to a base from which the tabs extend, and the tabs may be crimpedabout the corsage stem.

FIG. 11 shows magnetically coupled pieces 111, 112, 113 and 116 withanother type of object retainer, a metal pin or spear 118 that mayoptionally have a sharp tip. The metal pin 118 is used to pierce theobject to be retained. For example, in a case where an object to beretained is a corsage, the metal pin pierces the corsage and theresulting combination piece is securely and removably attached to a base116 of the magnetically couple pieces 111, 112, 113 and 116. A straightpin 118 is an example of a suitable type of pin.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show another type of pin, a safety pin 128, which iswelded or soldered to an elongated rigid metal base plate 126 and whichis used to pierce an object to be mounted. The base plate 126 is one ofseveral magnetically coupled pieces, which also include anotherelongated metal plate 125 and magnets 121, 122 and 123. Magnets 121, 122and 123 are abutted against the plate 125 and are magnetically coupledto the base plate 126 through fabric 124, and have their magneticdipoles oriented perpendicular to the plates 125 and 126. The plate 125is fully embedded in a preferably nonmagnetizable form 120 of anysuitable material including, for example, plastic, rubber and ceramic.The magnets 121, 122 and 123 are partially embedded in the form 120 withone of their surfaces being free of the form 120. These free surfacesare preferably coplanar and are used to magnetically couple to the baseplate 126.

FIG. 14 shows a “J” shaped hook 148 that is securely mechanicallycoupled to a base piece 146. The base piece 146 is one of severalmagnetically coupled pieces, which also include magnets 141, 142 and143. The base piece 146 is magnetically coupled to the magnets 141, 142and 143 through fabric 144, thereby mounting on the fabric 144 an objectfastened by the hook 148. Other hanger shapes may be used if desired,including an “S” shaped hook and a clothes hanger form.

Any of a variety of other different object retainers may be used ifdesired. One example is clamp or clip (not shown). The clamp mayoptionally be spring loaded, such as a potato bag clip. Alternatively,the clamp may be mechanically held together with a screw device, such asa wood clamp. A clamp attached to the base may grab and securely holdthe stem of a corsage. Another example of an object retainer is acontainer with spaced-apart sides and a bottom, such as a cup (notshown). A further example of an object retainer is a semi-permanentbonding agent (not shown). Other examples include adhesive, glue,Velcro, and welds. Yet another example of an object retainer is anelastic band (not shown). An elastic band, such as a rubber band, isattached to at least one of the magnetically coupled pieces. The elasticband holds an object due to its elastic nature. Alternatively, theelastic band is retracted and held in place by pulling on itself.Another example is a tie wrap.

The size of the object retainer may be variable as needed. For example,a small spring loaded clamp is preferably used with a small held object,while a larger spring loaded clamp is preferably used with a larger heldobject.

The object retained by the object retainer may be ornamental orfunctional in nature. Examples of objects that may be retained include agarment accessory, a floral item, a corsage, a boutonniere, a flower, afloral arrangement, jewelry, an ornamental item, a patch, a decoration,a sign, a name tag, a hanger, and a container. A garment accessory is anitem attached to a garment as a fashion accessory. A floral item is agarment accessory such as a living or artificial flower or plant.

The material 94 (FIG. 9) resides between the magnetically coupled pieces92 and 96 when the mounting apparatus is in use. The material 94 is nota part of the mounting apparatus, but is rather a material upon whichthe mounting apparatus acts. Some examples of suitable material includefabric, clothing, plastic, metal, glass, wallboard, partitions, andskin. The material 94 preferably should not disrupt the attractiveforces between the magnetically coupled pieces, but if it does, itshould not do so to a degree that the attractive forces are insufficientto hold the magnetically coupled pieces together during normal use ofthe mounting apparatus. The magnetically coupled pieces 92 and 96 areplaced on either side of the material 94, as shown in FIG. 9. Themagnetic field pulls via magnetic force the pieces together, as shown ata subsequent time in FIG. 10. The ornamental object affixed to the basepiece 96 is thus held next to the material 94. The mounted ornamentalobject may be affixed before or after the magnetically coupled piecesare attracted toward each other. The use of a magnetic field to hold themagnetically coupled pieces together allows the item to be replaceablyattached to the material 94, even if the material is very delicate.Examples of delicate material include a blouse or shirt made up of apiece of fabric, such as silk or polyester. The magnetically pairedpieces do not pierce or damage the clothing.

Shape, Size and Mechanical Considerations

A number of different shapes and orientations of the magneticallycoupled pieces may be used to achieve various objectives. Suitableshapes and orientations include round bar, rectangular bar, “Y” shape,“X” shape, rod, horseshoe, ring or donut, disk, rectangle, kidney,trapezoidal, multi-fingered ring, a multisided object, an object with atleast one curved side, and other geometric shapes.

Some magnets are cast into a mold and require grinding to achieve finaldimensions. Other magnets start as a powder, which is subsequentlypressed into a mold, pressure bonded, or sintered. The orientations ofthe shapes are rotated as mechanical forces necessitate keeping the flatsurface next to the material.

Force Considerations

The force needed between the magnetically coupled pieces is dependentupon the mass and structure of the retained object and the compositionand thickness of the intermediate material. For example, a one-tenthounce nametag requires a smaller magnetic field than a twelve ouncecorsage. Similarly, a thin material, such as a silk or polyester blouse,would necessitate a smaller magnetic force to hold an object than athick sweater or a work shirt.

The force of the magnetic field between magnetically coupled piecesvaries in accordance with a number of factors, including magnet type,magnetizable material type, size of the magnet, quantity of magnetsused, and the relative positioning of the magnets. For example, astronger neodymium magnet may be used in place of a ferrite magnet whena larger magnetic force is desirable. As another example, two, three,four, five, or more magnets may be used on either side of the material.As yet another example, two widely spaced magnets, such as greater thanone-half inch apart, may be used on a given side of the material inorder to increase mechanical and magnetic strength.

Mechanical Considerations

The magnetically coupled pieces attached to opposite sides of a materialprovide mechanical support to a mounted object through the attachingmeans. The magnetically coupled pieces and optionally other structuralmaterial in contact with the intermediate material are preferably shapedin a manner to firmly holding the fastened object. In many applications,the intermediate material between the magnetically coupled pieces isflexible. A heavy mechanical load attached to the magnetically coupledpieces would potentially deform the material, thereby potentiallydamaging the material or resulting in a sagging or misalignment of themounted object. Adapting the size of the magnetically coupled pieces tothe application provides an appropriate degree of mechanical strength.For example, the pieces on either side of the material optionally havecontact areas with the material that independently range from less thana quarter square inch to greater than three square inches. Examplesinclude a contact surface area of approximately 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0,1.5, 2, 3, 4, and 5 square inches. As noted above, many shapes aresuitable. A preferable orientation of the shapes is to have the greaterdimension be vertical. This helps to prevent sagging of the fastenedobject by allowing the body to act as a force against the innermost ofthe two magnetically coupled pieces. The orientation of the magneticallycoupled pieces is optionally used to minimize tilting or twisting of theheld object. For example, an inverted “Y” shape for the innermagnetically couple piece provides an outer force from the body to beapplied to the base of the “Y” and to the tips of the “Y,” therebyminimizing tilting and rotation of the held object. In still anotherexample, at least one of the magnetically couple pieces is round and hada diameter of approximately one inch. In yet another example, a backingmaterial, such as a semi-rigid material, is against one or both of themagnetizable pieces. In this example, the backing material is optionallyon the garment side or opposite side of the magnetizable piece.

FIGS. 11 through 14 are examples of how one or more of the magneticallycoupled pieces may be placed in a form such as form 110 (FIG. 11), form120 (FIGS. 12 and 13), and form 140 (FIG. 14) to achieve the mechanicalgoals described above. The forms 110, 120 and 140 may have any of theshapes described above for the magnets. Any number of the magneticallycoupled pieces may be placed into a form. As an example, smaller andrelatively inexpensive round magnets may be firmly placed and recessedinto a “Y” shaped or rectangular bar shaped forms, as shown in FIG. 11(magnets 111, 112 and 113 are recessed into form 110) and in FIG. 14(magnets 141, 142 and 143 are recessed into form 140). The magnet isattached to the form via a magnetic field, through a compression fit, orboth. The flat surface of the magnetically coupled piece attractedtoward the paired piece is preferably minimally obscured or notinterfered with by the form into which it is placed. In this example,the form adds mechanical strength. Since the forms should not completelydisrupt the attractive forces between the two magnetically coupledpieces, non-magnetizable material such as plastic, rubber and ceramicare well suited. However, magnetizable material including metal may beused in some configurations where care is taken to avoid completelydisrupting the attractive forces.

One or both of the magnetically coupled pieces may be rigid or resilientor flexible. Resilient and flexible magnetically coupled pieces areparticularly useful when it is desirable to conform to the shape of thematerial between the magnetically coupled pieces. This results in lessmechanical stress on the intermediate material and hence less damagedone to it. Suitable resilient materials include some plastics andrubber. Suitable flexible materials include some plastics and wovennylon webbing.

Coatings and Coloration

The surfaces of any of the magnetically coupled pieces, the objectretainers, and the forms may be coated entirely or partially withmaterials selected to achieve particular purposes. FIG. 15 and FIG. 16show the back piece 92, and the base piece 96 and the object retainer 98having respective coating layers 152 and 154 on their surfaces exceptfor the opposing surfaces of the magnetically coupled pieces 92 and 96.Optionally or alternatively, these opposing surfaces may be coated. Thecoatings serve one or more purposes, including protection of delicateclothing, an extension for mechanical support, formation of a mountingelement, an ornamental presentation, and a camouflage function.

The coatings may take various forms. For example, the coating may coverrough edges to further protect the intermediate material, such as a finesilk, from damage. As another example, the coating may be elongated toprovide mechanical support. In still another example, the coating may beshaped into a pin or hook that becomes the object retainer. In yetanother example, the coating has a floral, geometric, or colored patternthat is ornamental in presentation. In still yet another example, thecoating resembles the color, texture, or hue of the intermediatematerial or mounted object acting as a camouflage. Optionally, thecoating is plastic or flexible.

If one desires that the mounting apparatus be inconspicuous, potentiallyvisible parts of it may be designed as small as possible to be obscuredfrom view by the held object. Alternatively or additionally, themounting apparatus may be made visually inobtrusive by camouflagingvisible parts from view by suitably establishing the color and patternof any of the outermost surface of any of the magnetically coupledpieces, the object retainer, and/or the form. The outermost layer may becolor-coordinated with the intermediate material or the mounted objectin order to camouflage the mounting apparatus.

Alternatively, the most visible surface of the mounting apparatus may beprovided with an appearance that is aesthetically appealing by itself,such as a geometric or floral pattern. For example, the mounted objectis optionally surface-coated onto one of the magnetically couple piecesitself, is a picture or piece of art, or is a broach.

Lighting Considerations

An optional light source may be added to the hanging apparatus fordecorative purposes in order to create lighting effects. One or morelights are either embedded into either of the two magnetically coupledpieces or are attached to one of the two magnetically coupled pieces asan extension. The light source is either powered via a small battery oris a fluorescent or phosphorescent device that uses energy from thebattery power supply or from conversion an external source of photons,such as sunlight. Alternatively the light element is one or more lightemitting diodes. The light source is used to create or enhance graphicalor decorative presentations.

In one illustrative application, a magnetically coupled pair of piecesare attracted toward each other through an inflexible material, such asa piece of glass or a window material. One or both of the magneticallycoupled pieces may be base elements associated with respective objectretainers that may be used to mount objects on one or both sides of theinflexible material. The magnetically coupled pair of pieces and theobject retainers, and optionally forms, may be as described above, theprimary difference being that objects optionally may be held on bothsides of the intermediate material. In an example, two magneticallycoupled pieces are attracted toward each other through a windowmaterial, a hanging hook projects from the magnetically coupled piece onthe inside of the window and is used to hang a decorative item. Inanother example, two magnetically coupled pieces are attracted towardeach other through a window material, hanging hooks respectively projectfrom the magnetically coupled pieces, and decorative items are hung fromboth sides of the window.

The description of the invention and its applications as set forthherein is illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention as expressed in the claims that follow. Variations andmodifications of the embodiments described herein are possible, andpractical alternatives to and equivalents of the various elements of theembodiments would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art uponstudy of this patent document. These and other variations andmodifications of the embodiments described herein may be made withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention.

1. An apparatus for mounting an object, comprising: a first magneticallycoupled section; a retainer for removably retaining the object, theobject retainer being disposed at the first section; and a secondmagnetically coupled section; wherein at least one of the first andsecond sections is permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling toanother of the first and second sections; and wherein the first sectionand the object retainer are visually inobtrusive relative to the object.2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the object comprises a corsagehaving a stem section; the first section comprises an elongated firstmetal plate having generally parallel first and second surfaces; thesecond section comprises: a second metal plate; a plurality of permanentmagnets having first and second generally parallel flat surfacescontaining magnetic poles, the permanent magnets being respectivelycoupled to the second magnetic plate by the second surfaces thereof; anda nonmagnetizable form, the second plate being embedded in the form andthe permanent magnets being partially embedded in the form with thefirst surfaces thereof being coplanar and outside of the form formagnetically coupling to the second surface of the first metal plate;and the object retainer is a safety pin permanently attached to thefirst surface of the first metal plate.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1wherein at least one of the first magnetically coupled section and theobject retainer are alignable relative to a footprint of the object. 4.The apparatus of claim 3 wherein: the object comprises a corsage havinga stem section; the first section is an elongated body alignable withthe stem section of the corsage; and the object retainer is a safetypin.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first magnetically coupledsection and the object retainer are small relative to the object.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the first magnetically coupled section andthe object retainer are camouflaged relative to the object.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first body and a second bodydistinct from one another, the first body comprising the first sectionand the second body comprising the second section.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein: the first section comprises a surface and is integratedinto a magnetized body; the second section comprises a surface and isintegrated into the magnetized body; and the surfaces of the first andsecond sections are opposing.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thefirst section comprises material other than digitally malleable metal.10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first andsecond sections is rigid.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at leastone of the first and second sections is flexible.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second sections isresilient.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the retainer comprises astraight pin, a safety pin, a clamp, a screw holder, an adhesive, anelastic band, a hanger, or at least one crimpable tab.
 14. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein at least one of the first and second sectionscomprises a plurality of permanent magnets.
 15. An apparatus formounting an object, comprising: a first magnetically coupled section; aretainer for the object, the object retainer being disposed at the firstsection; and a second magnetically coupled section; wherein at least oneof the first and second sections is permanently magnetized formagnetically coupling to another one of the first and second sections;and wherein at least one of the first and second sections comprises aunitary permanent magnet having a “Y” shape, an “X” shape, a horseshoeshape, or a loop shape.
 16. An apparatus for mounting an object,comprising: a first magnetically coupled section; a retainer for theobject, the object retainer being disposed at the first section; asecond magnetically coupled section; a third magnetically coupledsection; and a form, the second and third sections being disposed in theform; wherein at least one of the first, second and third sections ispermanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to others of the first,second and third sections.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein theform has a “Y” shape, an “X” shape, a horseshoe shape, or a loop shape.18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the second and third sectionscomprise respective permanent magnets, the permanent magnets beingdisposed in the form.
 19. An apparatus for mounting an object,comprising: a first magnetically coupled section; a retainer for theobject, the object retainer being disposed at the first section; asecond magnetically coupled section; and a coating covering at leastpart of the first section, the second section, the retainer, or anycombination thereof; wherein at least one of the first and secondsections is permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to anotherof the first and second sections.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 whereinthe coating comprises a plastic layer, a rubber layer, a camouflagelayer, an ornamental design, or a picture.
 21. An apparatus for mountingan object, comprising: a first magnetically coupled section; a retainerfor the object, the object retainer being disposed at the first section;a light disposed at the first section; and a second magnetically coupledsection; and wherein at least one of the first and second sections ispermanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another of the firstand second sections.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising aplurality of lights disposed at the first section for illuminating theobject.
 23. An apparatus for mounting an object, comprising: a firstmagnetically coupled section; a retainer for the object, the objectretainer being disposed at the first section; and a second magneticallycoupled section; wherein at least one of the first and second sectionsis permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another one ofthe first and second sections; and wherein at least one of the first andsecond sections comprises a magnetically coupled flexible or resilientmaterial.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising the object,the object being a picture, a piece of art, or a broach, wherein theobject is mounted to the first section by the object retainer.
 25. Anapparatus for mounting an object, comprising: a first magneticallycoupled section; a second magnetically coupled section; and a containerfor the object disposed at the first section; wherein at least one ofthe first and second sections is permanently magnetized for magneticallycoupling to another one of the first and second sections.
 26. Anapparatus for mounting a first object and a second object, comprising: afirst magnetically coupled section; a first retainer for the firstobject, the first object retainer being disposed at the first section; asecond magnetically coupled section; and a second retainer for thesecond object, the second object retainer being disposed at the secondsection; wherein at least one of the first and second sections ispermanently magnetized for magnetically coupling to another of the firstand second sections.
 27. An apparatus for mounting an object,comprising: a magnetized body having a first magnetically coupledsection comprising a first surface and a second magnetically coupledsection comprising a second surface, the first and second surfaces beingopposing; and a retainer for the object, the object retainer beingdisposed at the first section; wherein at least one of the first andsecond sections is permanently magnetized for magnetically coupling toanother one of the first and second sections.
 28. The apparatus of claim26 wherein the magnetized body is a unitary permanent magnet.
 29. Anapparatus for mounting an object, comprising: first magnetically coupledmeans; second magnetically coupled means, wherein at least one of thefirst and second magnetically coupled means is permanently magnetized;and means for retaining the object to the first magnetically coupledmeans, disposed at the first section.
 30. A method of mounting an objecton a sheet of material comprising: placing a first magnetically coupledsection on one side of the sheet of material, the first section havingan object retainer; placing a second magnetically coupled section onanother side of the sheet of material, opposing the first magneticallycoupled section; bringing the first and second sections into proximityfollowing the placing steps to enable magnetic coupling, wherein atleast one of the first and second sections is permanently magnetized formagnetically coupling to another one of the first and second sections;and attaching the object to the retainer, wherein the object visuallyobscures the retainer and the first section.
 31. The method of claim 30wherein the sheet of material comprises fabric, clothing, plastic,metal, glass, or skin.